Motorcycle safety for automobile drivers Published March 29, 2011 By Kenneth Roxburgh Green Knights Motorcycle Safety Club Safety Officer GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- Spring is here, the plants are blooming, the bees are buzzing- and motorcyclists are riding. Automobile safety is important year-round, however this time of year its especially important for drivers to be diligent. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, many motorcycle accidents are caused because automobile drivers did not see the motorcyclist. "The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominate cause of motorcycle and automobile accidents," said Beau Wiley of the MSF. "The driver of the automobile involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision." Here are some safety tips to help keep both automobile and motorcyclists safe on the roads. First, a motorcyclist will often adjust their position within their lane as they ride. This is mainly for better visibility, to avoid debris and to minimize the effects of weather. This behavior should not be interpreted as reckless driving. If anything, it will help you, the motorist, be aware of the motorcyclist. Second, since a motorcycle is smaller than an automobile, be aware that it may seem to be moving faster than it actually is and may look farther away than it actually is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, always predict that a motorcycle is closer than it appears. A car pulling out in front of an oncoming motorcyclist is the number one cause of motorcycle and automobile accidents. Third, a motorcycle's stopping distance is almost the same as a car's, but only having two wheels, road conditions and a rider's skill level may affect actual stopping distance. To compensate for this, keep a three or four second following distance and space cushion. Also, when a motorcyclist is carrying a passenger, the handling characteristics and maneuverability of the motorcycle are impacted. Give the motorcyclist a little extra space on the road. As part of an effort to increase motorcycle awareness throughout base, the Green Knights Motorcycle Safety Club Chapter 64, an international motorcycle safety awareness club, is holding regular meetings on and off base. In their most recent gathering, March 25, they asked more than 20 motorcyclists to have a parade around base to raise motorcycle awareness. They also parked their motorcycles just outside of base and held out signs asking drivers to pay attention to motorcyclists on the road and to not pull out in front of a motorcycle. As the weather turns warmer, start to look for more motorcycles on the roads. Motorists tend to be more mindful of what might be a threat to them, the larger trucks and cars on the roads and highways, and tend not to recognize the smaller motorcycles and scooters. Whether unintentionally or through irresponsibility the motorist does not give the due attention that is necessary to drive safely. Please stop and be a responsible citizen. Drive your car when you are on the road. There will be plenty of time later in the day to talk on the phone and drink coffee.
